Solent celebrates tenth anniversary at Glastonbury

Performances from the likes of Dolly Parton, Metallica and Fatboy Slim will be beamed across the world from the Glastonbury festival this year, thanks to nearly 50 staff and students from Southampton Solent University who are providing technical assistance for the tenth year in a row.

Since 2004 Solent has been providing skilled staff, students and cutting-edge equipment to perform vital film and production jobs for the renowned performing arts event – and this year Solent is also running Glastonbury’s own digital media hub.

At 2014’s event, the University is working closely with the BBC and Glastonbury Festival to distribute news content around the globe. Roles range from film production and radio reporting to backstage management, or filming live acts for outside screens.

As well as shooting the legendary Fatboy Slim, Solent students will also be filming and producing a documentary film about Glastonbury first-timers Circus Katmandu, who rescue and rehabilitate people from human trafficking and slavery.

Principal Lecturer and producer Tony Steyger said: “Ten years at the festival is something of a milestone for us, and with over 1000 bands performing the students are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain valuable professional experience.

“Word is definitely out there about Solent’s work with the festival, and organisations are now coming to us as we gain a reputation for high-quality work.”

As well as being responsible for filming the Leftfield Stage run by Billy Bragg and the iconic Silver Hayes dance area, the Solent team will be making a documentary about The Park – an area of the festival organised by Emily Eavis, daughter of Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis.

With a less mainstream remit than the BBC’s, the students will be covering artists and stories that would not otherwise be reached.